Delaware AG closes the books on pedophile pediatrician

Former Delaware pediatrician Earl Bradley's old offices in Lewes have been destroyed, and now the state is trying to bring an end to an ugly chapter in Delaware's history. Bradley was convicted of sexually abusing very young patients at his office, even go so far as to video tape evidence of his abuse.

14 life terms plus 164 years

Now that he's been convicted and sentenced to 14 years in prison, Biden's office has announced an end to the state's prosecution of the disgraced doctor. "With his conviction and the Supreme Court's decision this past September upholding his conviction and sentence of 14 life terms plus 164 years in prison we have ensured that he will never walk out of prison or be in a position to ever harm another child."

Bradley's trial was based on video evidence that was obtained in a search of offices Bradley's property. He had claimed that the tapes were found in a location investigators were not authorized to search. That claim led to an appeal, which was denied.

Protecting victims

There are outstanding indictments against Bradley that he has not been tried on, but Biden says the state will not pursue those cases in an effort to protect the victims. The supporting evidence for this second set of victims, made up of 24 young girls, was based on disclosures the victims made during interviews at the Delaware Child Advocacy Center.

That means a trial of Bradley's crimes on these charges would require young victims and their parents to go on the stand in a courtroom in front of Bradley and provide details of the abuse. "We cannot expect or demand that they relive their pain and be victimized all over again," said Biden. "We have decided that ending the remaining case by withdrawing the indictment is in the best interest of the victims and their families."

Biden met with the victim families last week to discuss the case and his decision. "While this ends the criminal prosecution of the case, our commitment to the victims and their families does not end. My office will ensure that the victims and their families have the support and services they need for as long as they need them."

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